If you’re headed to Galveston for a cruise, then there are no doubt images of warm Caribbean beaches in your mind. In fact, you might want to be starting that beach time a little early by going to Galveston the day before you sail.
And while the island is great to visit and has tons to do, no one will confuse it for a Caribbean beach paradise. The water isn’t clear and there are no white sand beaches. Meanwhile, if you are traveling on your cruise outside of the warm summer months, the water is a little cool for swimming.
It’s understandable that many people visiting Galveston look for a hotel with an indoor or heated pool. It’s the best of both worlds — you get swim in warm, clear water while also enjoying all the fun things to do on the island.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of options on the island. Nearly every hotel in Galveston has a pool, but they are typically outdoors and unheated.
That said, we searched every hotel to find your best options. The following hotels have indoor pools and/or outdoor heated pools. It’s a great way to get your swimming in, even if you visit during the winter.
Rates are for a recent search for a Saturday night stay. Click each hotel to read reviews from travelers like you on TripAdvisor.
Galveston Hotels with Indoor Pools
Comfort Inn & Suites Beachfront
Located just west of 61st Street on the Seawall, this hotel is located in the western part of Galveston. It’s not far from Schlitterbahn or Mood Garden, but is a few miles from most of the restaurants and the Pleasure Pier. But given it’s location right on the Seawall, it’s not hard to get around the island. There is also a Kroger and Wal-mart within walking distance.
$199 per night | Read more about Comfort Inn & Suites Galveston
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson
Don’t let the name fool you. This hotel is anything but “country.” It’s located right on the Seawall and is recently built. In fact, it’s a prime location within walking distance of Galveston’s Pleasure Pier and some of the Seawall’s most popular restaurants. Best of all, the indoor pool will keep you from having to brave the cold Gulf during the winter months.
$179 per night | Read more about Country Inn & Suites Galveston
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, & Convention Center
Moody Gardens has grown to be one of Galveston’s largest attractions and the spa and hotel are happy to cater to visitors staying in the area. Located on the northwest side of the city, there is plenty to do, including visiting the famed pyramids that house both a rainforest and an aquarium. You are farther from the beach, but with both and indoor and outdoor heated pools, you won’t miss your chance to get in the water.
$251 per night | Read more about Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa, & Convention Center
Galveston Hotels with Outdoor Heated Pools
Hotel Galvez
Arguably Galveston’s most famous hotel, this stately hotel was built more than 100 years ago. It sits in the heart of Galveston’s Seawall, close to the beach and many of the island’s attractions. The hotel features an on-site health spa, in addition to a hot tub and heated outdoor saline pool.
$269 per night | Read more about Hotel Galvez
San Luis Hotel
Located just east of the Galveston Convention Center, the San Luis Hotel is one of Galveston’s premier properties. The resort features a lush, tropically-landscaped pool area, complete with heated water. In fact, it almost looks more like a Vegas-style hotel than most of what you find on the island. Best of all, it sits right on the Seawall, giving beautiful vista of the Gulf of Mexico.
$359 per night | Read more about the San Luis Hotel
Holiday Inn Galveston on the Beach
This more affordable option sits right next to the San Luis Hotel on Galveston’s Seawall. It certainly doesn’t have the same “resort” feel of its neighbor, but does have a great location right on the Seawall, as well as an on-site restaurant and lounge/nightclub
$143 per night | Read more about Holiday Inn Galveston on the Beach
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Right on the Seawall, great views of the Gulf and a heated pool? What more could you ask for? The Hilton offers the level of service you would expect from the brand-name hotel. In addition, you are in position right near several restaurants and next door to the Convention Center. If you need to pick up a few items, a grocery store is also a short walk away.
$329 per night | Read more about Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Hotel Galvez — Perhaps the grandest hotel on the island, Hotel Galvez is also among the oldest. The hotel was built in 1911 — just more than a decade after the “Great Storm.” What you’ll find today is an elegant “four diamond” AAA-rated hotel that recalls the spirit and grandeur of old Galveston. Today the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. But that doesn’t mean this is some old stodgy hotel. Each of the 224 rooms comes with flat-screen TVs, and iPod alarm dock, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Sitting right on the Seawall, many rooms also have spectacular views of the Gulf. (May require two-night stay.)
San Luis Resort — The San Luis Resort offers four-star luxury overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. While the rooms are comfortable and nicely appointed, it’s the hotel’s grounds that make this resort a gem. The property is more than 30 acres of lush greenery, complete with waterfalls and gardens. The spacious pool includes a swim-up bar, waterslide, and cabanas. As with any highly-rated resort, the San Luis also features a spa and fitness center. In effect, this hotel offers you the feeling of being on a luxurious cruise… even before you step on board a ship! (May require two-night stay.)
